Kili and Fili did not go back to their rooms that night, instead bunking outside on the terrace with everyone else for fear of what their "neighbors" were up to. They needn't have worried, really. Bilbo, though an ancient and wise skinchanger, was a virgin. A romantic virgin at that. He had entered Middle-Earth thinking that he would never find the "one" for him in this world. His true love was back in the Undying Lands, waiting for his return. He'd witness many horrors and experienced many more in this land and he had promised himself no matter what, his lovemaking would be for his true love. So yes, he would bed with others, but nothing more than touches and kisses had ever been exchanged. Nothing, not even time, had changed that. Thorin, on the other hand, was very experienced but refused to pressure Bilbo, especially in Bilbo's current state. The hobbit was half asleep anyway and sore. Thorin simply helped Bilbo get ready for bed after his proclamation, seeing as he had stunned the hobbit with his concern for his wellbeing. There had been kissing and touching and Thorin gently explaining what they could do when Bilbo was feeling up to it if he wanted to do it. Bilbo, for his part, had been very surprised. No one had ever been so kind before. Normally they just tried to force themselves upon him. Thorin….Thorin was different.
Thorin woke first again, arm wrapped around his hobbit as the little thing lay sprawled half on his chest. Bilbo looked like nothing could wake him, completely limp against the dwarf. Sometime in the night they had gone from Thorin wrapped protectively around Bilbo to this. Which, honestly, Thorin didn't mind. If not for the fact that at that moment Bilbo's stomach decided it was time for the hobbit to wake up and eat. Bilbo grumbled against Thorin's chest, not really sounding coherent. Thorin chuckled, stroking Bilbo's back gently, "Bilbo, we should get up. The others are probably getting into trouble."
"Elrond can deal with it," Bilbo grumbled. "Not my problem."
"They are part of my company, so they are my problem," Thorin smiled. "And your stomach is ordering me to do something about the lack food you consumed last night."
Bilbo's stomach agreed, growling again. Bilbo sighed, finally looking up at Thorin, "I'm comfy."
"I am comfortable to, but we have responsibilities," Thorin brushed his hand against Bilbo's ear, knowing it was sensitive. The motion caused Bilbo to shiver a little, "And my most important one is feeding this ravenous beast that has taken me prisoner."
"I don't know where you get these crazy ideas from," Bilbo huffed.
"How are you feeling? Other than hungry," Thorin nuzzled the top of Bilbo's head, oddly content.
"Comfortable," Bilbo murmured, purring a little at the attention.
"Sore?" Thorin pressed.
"Ignoring it."
"How much do you hurt?"
"I said I was ignoring it."
"Up. You are being checked over by Oin again, then food," Thorin left no room for argument because he was up, Bilbo in his arms as soon as he was done speaking.
"Thorin!" Bilbo squeaked, wrapping his arms around Thorin's neck.
"It will be easier and faster this way. No need to cause un-needed pain," Thorin rumbled as he headed for the door.
"I can walk!"
"You are quite adorable when you're flustered."
"Thorin!"
"You're cheeks are red."
"Stop."
"Its kinda cute."
"Put me down."
"It's spreading down your neck."
"No, stop."
"What else is red?"
"THORIN!"
The dwarves and company only stayed in Rivendell two days. Just long enough to Elrond to translate the writing on the map and get them supplies and let Bilbo rest up enough to get around without looking like he was going to collapse and die. Now he just looked like he might pass out. They didn't want to stay too much longer because Elrond had hinted beings who might wish to stop their journey were on their way to Rivendell. It was surprising how understanding Elrond was on their quest. Although all the dwarves agreed it had something to do with Bilbo. For some reason, whenever an elf saw Bilbo, they got this sad smile on their faces. It made everyone, especially Thorin, wonder what Bilbo had lost.
"The elves have long memories," was all Bilbo gave in answer when Thorin asked. Now, well into the mountains with rain and wind battering them, such thoughts were forgotten as the company struggled to make headway.
"We need to find shelter!" Gandalf yelled from the front. Thorin had a firm grip on Bilbo, right behind Gandalf. Dwalin came next, Balin get in front of him with a strong hand wrapped around Balin's arm. Dori and Nori had Ori sandwiched between them while Fili kept Kili close. Bifur had a grip on Bombur and Bofur while Oin was letting Gloin lead him along.
"Do you know of any?" Thorin yelled back.
"There should be a cave up," Gandalf started to yell back when Dwalin's shout cut them off.
"Look OUT!" the bald dwarf yelled as he pulled Balin and Dori back against the cliff face as a rock appeared out of the storm, smashing into the mountain above them. Thorin pressed Bilbo back, an arm coming protectively around him.
"Stone giants!" Bilbo called.
"The legends are true!" Balin gasped.
"Of course they are, Master Balin! Now move!" Gandalf ordered as he rushed forward. Thorin pushed Bilbo after him, glancing back at his nephews. Fili met his eyes, nodding as he pushed Kili on just as the rock beneath they're feet moved.
"Fili!" Thorin yelled as the rock fell away from between Fili and Kili.
"Thorin!" Dwalin shoved him back as Bilbo slipped by him, reaching out to Fili and pulling him across before the hobbit leapt across the gap just as the legs moved, separating even more as the stone giant they were on stood. Thorin watched in horror as the other leg swung out and around as the stone giant went to punch another. Bilbo kept a firm hold on the rock, glancing at the others.
"Don't you dare, Bilbo Baggins!" Gandalf roared. Thorin glanced at him to actually see fear in the wizard's eyes. When he looked at Bilbo, the hobbit was looking at him. Bilbo gave him a sad smile and Thorin understood.
"Bilbo! DON'T!" Thorin roared. Bilbo looked torn and it was the moment of indecision that was enough. The leg swung back around as the giant fell forward, slamming it into the cliff face. Thorin watched in horror as the leg fell back, none of the company left clinging to it.
"NO!" Thorin roared, racing forward. The others were close behind as he skidded around the corner, relief rushing through him as he spotted the moving bodies of his company sprawled over the path. His eyes scanned over them as the others rushed forward to help them up and his heart froze.
"Where is Bilbo?" The others froze, dread filling them as they looked around.
"Help," a small voice called and Thorin all but threw himself to the edge of the cliff. Bilbo was barely holding on to the edge of the cliff, face white, "Thorin…."
"No!" Thorin reached for him, feeling someone grab his legs as Bilbo's hands slipped so only his fingers were gripping the wet rock. His hand brushed Bilbo's, going for his wrist.
"I'm sorry," Bilbo got out just loud enough for Thorin to hear before his fingers, ragged and red from the rock, slipped and Bilbo was falling away, into the abyss below.